Gusano’s Chicago-Style Pizzeria to open next week in SGF

Gusano’s Chicago-Style Pizzeria will open in the coming weeks at 900 E. Battlefield Road in the Battlefield Marketplace. There will be full bar, numerous flat-screen TVs showing sports, outside seating and Chicago-style pizza.(Photo: Jackie Rehwald/News-Leader)Buy Photo

Hungry for Chicago-style food — the flaky-crust pizza, loaded-down hot dogs and juicy Italian beef sandwiches — but not interested in a trip to the Windy City?

Gusano’s Chicago-Style Pizzeria will be opening next week at 900 E. Battlefield Road in the Battlefield Marketplace.

“We are a Chicago-style sports bar. We are going to have 24 large-screen TVs. We are definitely a sit-down establishment with table service,” Ben Biesenthal, president and founder of Gusano’s, said. “We will have music going, Chicago-style pizza, traditional crust pizza and great salads and wraps.”

There will be a full bar, outdoor seating as well, and a kids’ menu.

Biesenthal said the restaurant will employ about 50 people. While the hiring process has already started, positions are still available. Apply in person. Biesenthal said he’s there most days 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

According to the company’s website, Biesenthal opened the first Gusano’s Chicago-Style Pizzeria in 2004 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Biesenthal grew up in Chicago and later moved to Arkansas to attend University of Arkansas. The Springfield store will be the 10th Gusano’s. There are locations in Arkansas, Texas and Joplin.

“We think (Springfield) is a great market and we have been looking here for a year. We found a spot we like on Battlefield and decided to go for it,” Biesenthal said. He hopes to it open on April 1.